YAER: Yet Another Ebay Rant

[tcsenter]

Good lord I've been trying to win an auction for two weeks now, trying to get a good deal on a copy of Windows XP Home (full version). I've 'watched' more than 40 auctions via my Ebay page.

I've yet to see one end under $87 including shipping. So I've spent several hours of my time over a two week period trying to save a couple bucks, and I can get Windows XP Home Full (DSP/OEM) from a Pricewatch merchant for $85.00 delivered.

That's it, I'm selling my car, taking the roughly $4500 cash I can get for it, and going into business selling on Ebay. Suckers galore!

 

[melly]

e-bay is my new addiction :/

 

[tcsenter]

e-bay is my new addiction :/

Have you actually found any deals?

 

[PsychoAndy]

You're going into business on a 2.2% margin?

-PAB

 

[tcsenter]

You're going into business on a 2.2% margin?

Running a home based business with shoe string overhead, 2.2% isn't all that bad compared with the 5% margin you get after investing $100,000 into a brick and mortar store.

Edit: $87 was the LOWEST I've seen, the typical winning price/bid has been $90 - $95 (after shipping).

 

[melly]

tcsenter

Have you actually found any deals?

i only opened an account ~2 days ago and am currently bidding on something which to me is an amazing deal. a cell phone (my latest re-addiction :/ ) . my fave thing right now is practicing how to refine my searches in the categories. i'm so e-gay!

 

[dethman]

Originally posted by: tcsenter

You're going into business on a 2.2% margin?

Running a home based business with shoe string overhead, 2.2% isn't all that bad compared with the 5% margin you get after investing $100,000 into a brick and mortar store.

Edit: $87 was the LOWEST I've seen, the typical winning price/bid has been $90 - $95 (after shipping).

you might want to consider the ebay fees you'll incur.

 

[MrCodeDude]

Yeah, it costs $.35 to list the auction, then like another 5% of the going price..
-- mrcodedude

 

[HappyFace]

Originally posted by: dethman

Originally posted by: tcsenter

You're going into business on a 2.2% margin?

Running a home based business with shoe string overhead, 2.2% isn't all that bad compared with the 5% margin you get after investing $100,000 into a brick and mortar store.

Edit: $87 was the LOWEST I've seen, the typical winning price/bid has been $90 - $95 (after shipping).

you might want to consider the ebay fees you'll incur.

That and PayPal or Billpoint fees (if you choose to accept these payment methods) ... I'd recommend that any eBay seller allows at least ONE option for credit card payment.

 

[grrl]

I've bought and sold quite a bit on eBay with good luck except with software and some other computer stuff. People definitely seem to overpay for Windows and hardware. That's good if you are selling, but can be frustrating if you are looking for deals.

People seem to think that an auction is somehow naturally cheaper. That's definitely not the case.

 

[Miramonti]

you might want to consider ebay fees you'll pay.

 

[vegetation]

And don't forget to set up a deadbeat bidder fund, because you're guaranteed to run into idiots who love to bid but have no intention of paying you whatsoever. But ebay still happily takes your listing fee and tells you to get lost if you dare to complain about it.

you might want to consider the ebay fees you'll incur.